The Best 3D Printers from Kickstarter

A 3D printer creates physical objects by printing successive layers of material on top of each other based on a digital 3D model. The process is also known as additive manufacturing, as it builds up the final object layer by layer rather than cutting away or subtracting material like traditional manufacturing processes.

The 3D printing process typically involves three main steps:

• creating a 3D digital model of the object you want to print using computer-aided design (CAD) software
• slicing the digital model into a series of 2D layers that the printer can understand and print
• sending those cut layers to the 3D printer for printing

Many different types of 3D printers are available today, using a wide variety of materials to create objects, including plastics, metals, ceramics, and even food.

3D printing technology is used in various industries, from manufacturing and engineering to healthcare and art. It has enabled designers and makers to create complex and intricate objects that would be impossible to make using traditional manufacturing methods.

Some of the best and most popular new brands of 3D printers in today’s market have come to life thanks to crowdfunding campaigns on Kickstarter.

In this post, we’ll look at Kickstarter 3D printers, outline ten of the all-time best Kickstarter 3D printers, and help you determine if Kickstarter is a good choice for funding a 3D printer idea.

What is a Kickstarter 3D printer?

A Kickstarter 3D printer is a 3D printer that has been funded through the crowdfunding platform Kickstarter. With Kickstarter, creators can launch new products, including 3D printers, by seeking funding from Kickstarter’s community of backers in exchange for rewards or pre-orders of the product.

A Kickstarter 3D printer campaign typically involves the creator or company behind the product setting a funding goal and launching a campaign page on Kickstarter, including details about the product, its features, and its potential consumer benefits.

Interested backers can then pledge money to support the campaign, often in exchange for early access to the product or other rewards.

If the campaign reaches its funding goal within the allotted time, the creator or company can use the funds to develop and manufacture the 3D printer, which is then shipped to backers who funded the campaign.

If the campaign doesn’t reach its funding goal, backers aren’t charged, and the project may have to go back to the drawing board.

Kickstarter 3D printers have become increasingly popular in recent years. Some of the best 3D printer Kickstarter campaigns have raised millions of dollars and attracted thousands of backers, creating some of the most popular and highly regarded 3D printers on the market.

Is Kickstarter Good For 3D Printers?

Many creators have used Kickstarter to raise funds for their innovative new ideas. As such, Kickstarter has become a leading crowdfunding platform for 3D printer projects for several reasons, including the following:

• Kickstarter allows 3D printer makers to showcase their product ideas to a large audience, which can help to generate buzz and interest in their project. That can lead to more backers and, ultimately, more funding.
• Kickstarter provides a platform for creators to communicate with potential backers and answer questions about their projects, which can help to build trust and credibility.
• Kickstarter helps innovators raise the funds they need to bring their projects to market. By using Kickstarter, they can avoid the need to secure traditional funding from investors or banks, which can be difficult and time-consuming.
• Crowdfunding through Kickstarter provides a level of accountability and transparency that can help to build trust with backers. In addition, creators must give regular updates on their projects, which can help backers see that progress is being made and that the project is on track to be delivered on time.

Overall, Kickstarter is an excellent option for any 3D printer project, particularly among creators who want to raise funds and build a community around their products. However, it is important for creators to carefully consider the potential risks and challenges involved and be transparent and communicative with their backers throughout the process.

What is the most backed 3D printer campaign on Kickstarter?

Kickstarter’s most backed 3D printer campaign was the Form 1 printer by Formlabs, which raised over $2.9 million from over 2,000 backers in 2012.

This campaign was a massive success because it introduced a new resin-based 3D printer that was affordable, easy to use, and a big hit with influencers.

The Form 1 printer by Formlabs is a desktop 3D printer that uses stereolithography (SLA) technology to produce high-quality, detailed prints. With a build volume of 125 x 125 x 165 mm, the Form 1 is a compact printer well-suited for small workshops or home environments.

One of the main advantages of Form 1 is its ability to print objects with a resolution of up to 25 microns, significantly higher than many other desktop 3D printers on the market. This level of detail allows for the creation of intricate and complex designs with delicate features and smooth surfaces.

Another critical feature of Form 1 is its use of a liquid resin material cured by a laser during printing, allowing for greater precision and accuracy in printing and the ability to print with a broader range of materials than some other desktop 3D printers.

In addition to its high-quality printing capabilities, Form 1 also comes with user-friendly software that allows for easy design and printing of 3D objects. The software is compatible with various file formats, including STL and OBJ, and allows for easy customization of print settings to achieve optimal results.

Overall, the Form 1 printer by Formlabs is a reliable and precise 3D printer well-suited for various applications, from prototyping and product development to artistic and creative endeavors. So it’s not hard to see why it was such a success on Kickstarter. Its high-resolution printing capabilities and user-friendly software make it an attractive option for professionals and hobbyists and made it a hit among its backers.

10 Best Kickstarter 3D Printers

The Form 1 printer by Formlabs isn’t the only 3D printer to get its start on Kickstarter and make an indelible mark on the industry.

There have been numerous success stories of 3D printers that found their way onto the market thanks to a successful Kickstarter crowdfunding campaign.

Here are our top picks for the best Kickstarter 3D printer:

Tiko Unibody: The Best Value 3D Printer

The Tiko Unibody is a compact, affordable desktop 3D printer that produces high-quality prints using fused deposition modeling (FDM) technology.

With a build volume of 125 x 125 x 125 mm, the Tiko Unibody is a compact and lightweight printer that is easy to set up and use.

Its unique unibody design eliminates many moving parts in other 3D printers, making it more reliable and less prone to mechanical failures.

Overall, the Tiko Unibody 3D Printer is a good option for beginners and hobbyists looking for an affordable and reliable printer.

The Tiko Unibody 3D Printer was launched on Kickstarter in March 2015 and reached its funding goal in just a few hours.

Tiko Unibody 3D Printer by the Numbers:

• Funds raised: $2.9 million
• Backers: 16,538
• Original goal: $100,000

The Micro: The Most Consumer Friendly 3D Printer

The Micro 3D printer is a compact, affordable desktop 3D printer that produces high-quality prints using fused deposition modeling (FDM) technology.

With a build volume of 109 x 113 x 116 mm, The Micro is a small printer well-suited for home and educational environments.

It is designed to be user-friendly and easy to set up and use, making it an attractive option for beginners and hobbyists new to 3D printing.

It was launched on Kickstarter in 2014, surpassing its original funding goal in just minutes, and has since become a popular choice for anyone in search of an affordable, user-friendly 3D printer

The Micro by the Numbers:

• Funds raised: $3.4 million
• Backers: 11,855
• Original goal: $100,000

Creality CR-6 SE: Best DIY 3D Printer

The Creality CR-6 SE is a popular and affordable desktop 3D printer that uses fused deposition modeling (FDM) technology to produce high-quality prints.

With a build volume of 235 x 235 x 250 mm, the CR-6 SE is a mid-sized printer well-suited for various applications, from prototyping and product development to artistic and creative endeavors.

The Creality CR-6 SE comes with a range of features, including automatic bed leveling, a touchscreen interface, and a modular design that makes maintenance and upgrades easy.

The Creality CR-6 SE debuted on Kickstarter on May 6, 2020, reaching its original funding goal in seven minutes.

Overall, the CR-6 SE is a reliable and versatile 3D printer popular among beginners and experienced users.

Creality CR-6 SE by the Numbers:

• Funds raised: $4.3 million
• Backers: 10,855
• Original goal: $100,000

Bambu Lab X1: Best 3D Printer With Lidar And AI

Bambu Lab X1 is a desktop 3D printer designed and manufactured by Bambu Lab, an Argentinian-based company.

It uses fused deposition modeling (FDM) technology to create high-quality prints with a 220 x 220 x 200 mm build volume.

The Bambu Lab X1 comes with a range of features, including automatic bed leveling, a color touchscreen interface, and a sturdy aluminum frame.

Overall, the Bambu Lab X1 is a reliable and affordable 3D printer well-suited for various applications, from prototyping to artistic and creative endeavors.

Bambu Lab X1 by the Numbers:

• Funds raised: $1.3 million
• Backers: 1,046
• Original goal: $78,495

Snapmaker: The Best Metal 3D Printer

Snapmaker is a modular 3D printer that uses Fused Deposition Modeling (FDM) technology to produce high-quality prints with a 125 x 125 x 125 mm build volume.

Snapmaker was launched on Kickstarter in 2017, and it was a huge success, with the campaign exceeding its funding goal within the first hour.

The Snapmaker campaign was particularly successful because of its modular design, allowing users to quickly transform the 3D printer into a laser engraver or CNC machine.

The campaign also offered a range of stretch goals and add-ons, further increasing its appeal to backers.

It is also user-friendly and easy to set up and use, making it an attractive option for 3D printing newcomers and hobbyists.

Snapmaker by the Numbers:

• Funds raised: $2.2 million
• Backers: 5,372
• Original goal: $50,000

Bambu Lab X1: The Best Color 3D Printer

While no definitive “best” color 3D printer exists, the Bambu Lab X1 is a strong contender for this title., especially among 3D printers born out of a Kickstarter campaign.

What makes the Bambu Lab X1 so unique is its ability to print with up to three different filaments simultaneously, allowing it to produce full-color prints with impressive accuracy and detail.

Additionally, the Bambu Lab X1 has many other features, including automatic bed leveling, a color touchscreen interface, and a sturdy aluminum frame, making it a reliable and versatile color 3D printer for a range of applications.

Bambu Lab X1 by the Numbers:

• Funds raised: $1.3 million
• Backers: 1,046
• Original goal: $78,495

ELEGOO Jupiter: The Best Large-Scale 3D Printer

The ELEGOO Jupiter is a large-format resin 3D printer designed for professionals and enthusiasts requiring high-quality, detailed prints.

With a 300 x 300 x 400 mm build volume, the ELEGOO Jupiter offers one of the most significant build volumes in the resin 3D printing market.

The ELEGOO Jupiter also features an advanced air filtration system that minimizes the unpleasant odors associated with resin 3D printing.

With its user-friendly design and range of features, the ELEGOO Jupiter is a reliable and affordable option for those looking for a large-format resin 3D printer.

ELEGOO Jupiter by the Numbers:

• Funds raised: $2.2 million
• Backers: 6,458
• Original goal: $100,000

Photon Ultra: The Best Precise DLP 3D Printer

Photon Ultra is a high-end desktop resin 3D printer with impressive features and capabilities.

With a 4K monochrome screen and a resolution of up to 3840 x 2400 pixels, the Photon Ultra is capable of producing incredibly detailed prints with ease.

The printer also features a large build volume of 192 x 120 x 250 mm and a range of advanced features, including a parallel light source design and automatic leveling.

The Photon Ultra is a top-of-the-line 3D printer ideal for professionals and enthusiasts who demand the highest quality and precision from their prints.

Photon Ultra by the Numbers:

• Funds raised: $2.8 million
• Backers: 2,725
• Original goal: $777,888

FLUX Delta: Best 3D Printer For Designers

The FLUX Delta is a unique and versatile 3D printer that features a delta-style design and a range of modular add-ons that allow it to transform into a laser engraver, vinyl cutter, or 3D scanner.

With a build volume of 170 x 200 mm, the FLUX Delta is capable of producing high-quality prints with ease.

The printer also features a user-friendly interface and a range of other features, including auto bed leveling and filament detection.

The FLUX Delta was initially launched on Kickstarter in 2015 and quickly gained popularity among 3D printing enthusiasts.

The FLUX Delta has been praised for its innovative design, ease of use, and versatility, which allowed it to serve as both a 3D printer and a multi-functional tool for makers.

The success of the Kickstarter campaign helped establish FLUX as a leading manufacturer of 3D printers and related tools.

FLUX Delta by the Numbers:

• Funds raised: $1.6 million
• Backers: 1,958
• Original goal: $100,000

Snapmaker 2.0: Best Modular 3-In-1 3D Printer

Snapmaker 2.0 is a modular 3-in-1 3D printer with a CNC machine and laser engraver. It features a sleek aluminum design and a large build volume, making it ideal for beginners and experienced makers.

The Snapmaker 2.0 also boasts advanced features, including automatic bed leveling, a touchscreen interface, and a sturdy frame allowing accurate and reliable printing, engraving, and milling.

The Snapmaker 2.0 was launched on Kickstarter in May 2019, and it quickly became one of the most successful 3D printing campaigns on the platform.

With its versatility and user-friendly design, the Snapmaker 2.0 is a top choice for makers looking to take their creations to the next level.

Snapmaker 2.0 by the Numbers:

• Funds raised: $7.8 million
• Backers: 10,357
• Original goal: $100,000

Where Can You Buy Kickstarter 3D Printers?

Once a Kickstarter campaign has ended and the product has been successfully funded, it becomes available directly from the manufacturer or third-party retailers.

Some of the Kickstarter 3D printers listed above can be purchased from the manufacturer’s website or online retailers like Amazon. Other models, however, may only be available for purchase through the manufacturer’s website.

Finding the Best 3D Printer on Kickstarter

Kickstarter has been an excellent platform for launching innovative 3D printers, allowing creators to bring their ideas to life, whether with the help of an agency or on their own.

The most successful Kickstarter 3D printer campaigns have raised millions of dollars and attracted thousands of backers, creating some of the most popular and highly regarded 3D printers on the market today.

If you’re in the market for a new 3D printer, check out the wide variety of printers that got their start on Kickstarter.

If you want to start your own Kickstarter 3D printer campaign, LaunchBoom can help!